Method for controlling laundry treating apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided is a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus. The method includes applying power to the laundry treating apparatus to input an installation inspection command through an input part, detecting an initial water level within an outer tub to store the detected initial water level value, opening a cold water valve to supply water, determining whether a water level within an outer tub reaches a target supply water level within a first set time (t1) from a time point at which the cold water valve is opened, and closing the cold water valve when the first set time (t1) elapses. When the water level within the outer tub does not reach the target supply water level within the first set time (t1), a first error message for informing a water supply error is displayed on a display part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefits of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0086020 filed on Jul. 6, 2017, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus.

In general, a laundry treating apparatus is a home appliance for washing or drying laundry including clothes. For example, the laundry treating apparatus may include a washing machine and dryer.

Also, the laundry treating apparatus may be classified into a top loading type laundry treating apparatus in which a laundry loading port is provided in a top surface thereof and a front loading type laundry treating apparatus in which a laundry loading port is provided is a front surface thereof. In the top loading type laundry treating apparatus, a rotation shaft of a drum for allowing the laundry to rotate is vertically disposed. In the front loading type laundry treating apparatus, a rotation shaft of a drum extends in a horizontal direction.

When the laundry treating apparatus is installed in a washing room, various defects may occur if the installation is not properly performed. For example, when the laundry treating apparatus is installed in the washing room, there are a defect in which a water supply hose is twisted, folded, or pressed to prevent water for washing from being properly supplied, a hose connection defect such as connecting hot water hose to a cold water hose connection part, a defect in which a drain hose is twisted, folded, pressed, or bent at a height higher than that of a drain pump to prevent water for washing from being properly supplied, and a water supply/drain defect due to leakage through a hose connection portion.

The installer often overlooks the fact in which the installer does not know how to enter into a tent mode, or there is no time to perform the test although the laundry treating apparatus should be installed in the installation site, and then, a basic test should be performed.

In addition, since there are too many test items, it is difficult for installer to understand the test method, and since there are many unnecessary test items, the test may not be performed properly.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been proposed to improve the above-described limitations.

In one embodiment, a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus includes: applying power to the laundry treating apparatus to input an installation inspection command through an input part;

detecting an initial water level within an outer tub to store the detected initial water level value; opening a cold water valve to supply water; determining whether a water level within an outer tub reaches a target supply water level within a first set time (t₁) from a time point at which the cold water valve is opened; and closing the cold water valve when the first set time (t₁) elapses, wherein, when the water level within the outer tub does not reach the target supply water level within the first set time (t₁), a first error message for informing a water supply error is displayed on a display part.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus through which a control method is performed according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an inner structure of the laundry treating apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the laundry treating apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus through which a control method is performed according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an inner structure of the laundry treating apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the laundry treating apparatus.

Hereinafter, a top loading type washing machine, which is a kind of laundry treating apparatus, will be described as an example.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a laundry treating apparatus for realizing a control method according to an embodiment may include a base 9, a cabinet 1, a top cover 2, a lid 4, and a control panel 3.

In detail, the base 9 may have a flat shape corresponding to the floor on which the laundry treating apparatus is installed and supported by four support legs 15 installed on four corners of the cabinet 1. A drain pump 45 may be installed on the base 9.

Also, the cabinet 1 stands upright on a top surface of the base 9 and has a front surface, a rear surface, and left and right surfaces to define an accommodation space therein. Also, the cabinet 10 has an opened top surface.

The top cover 2 may be coupled to an opened upper end of the cabinet 1. A loading port through which laundry is loaded and unloaded may be provided in the top cover 2. Also, the lid 4 for opening and closing the loading port may be rotatably coupled to the top cover 2.

An outer tub 6 containing water may be disposed in the cabinet 1. The outer tub 6 may be provided to be hung within the cabinet 1 by hangers 8. Each hanger 8 may include a support rod 8 a pivotally coupled to the top cover 2 and a suspension 8 b installed on the support rod 8 a to buffer vibration of the outer tub 6.

The suspension 8 b may have various shapes. For example, the suspension 8 b may include an outer tub support member supporting the outer tub 6 and moving along the support rod 9 a as the outer tub 6 vibrates; and a spring disposed to be fixed to a lower end of the support rod 8 a to elastically support the outer tub support member.

The outer tub 6 may have an opened upper side, and an outer tub cover 7 may be disposed on the opened upper portion.

The outer tub cover 7 may have a ring shape of which a central portion, through which the laundry is loaded and unloaded, is opened.

An inner tub 5 accommodating the laundry and rotating with respect to a vertical axis may be disposed in the outer tub 6. A plurality of holes through which water passes may be defined in the inner tub 5, and the inner tub 5 and the outer tub 6 may be fluidly connected to each other through the holes.

A drain bellows 18 for discharging water from the outer tub 6 and a drain valve 64 selectively opening or closing the drain bellows 18 may be provided in the laundry treating apparatus. The drain bellows 18 may be connected to the drain pump 45. When the drain valve 64 is opened under the control of a control part 26, water may be supplied into the drain pump 45 through the drain bellows, and water for washing may be drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus by an operation of the drain pump 45.

A pulsator (not shown) may be rotatably provided on an inner bottom of the inner tub 5. The pulsator may include a plurality of radial ribs that protrude upward. When the pulsator rotates, water stream may be formed by the ribs.

A washing motor (not shown) providing power for rotating the inner tub 5 and the pulsator may be disposed in the cabinet 1. The washing motor may be mounted on an outer bottom surface of the outer tub 6 and provided to be hung within the cabinet 1 together with the outer tub 6. The washing motor may include a driving part 14.

A rotation shaft of the washing motor may be always coupled to the pulsator and selectively coupled to the inner tub 5 according to a switching operation of a clutch (not shown). Thus, when the rotation shaft of the washing motor is operated in the state of being coupled to the inner tub 5, the pulsator and the inner tub 5 may integrally rotate. Also, in a state where the rotation shaft of the washing motor is separated from the inner tub 5, the inner tub 5 may be in a stopped state, and only the pulsator 15 may rotate.

Also, the control panel 3 may include an input part and display part 25. The input part may comprise a key, a button, and a touch panel, etc., which can set, select, and adjust various operation modes provided by the laundry treating apparatus. The display part 25 may display various information including: an operation state of the laundry treating apparatus; a response to the selection of the operation mode; a warning; a notification; and the like. Also, the display part 25 may be provided in the form of a display panel such as a lamp, an LCD panel, an LED panel, and the like.

The memory 47 may store various data required for the operation of the laundry treating apparatus and include volatile/nonvolatile RAMS, ROMs, flash memories, and the like.

A dispenser 17 for supplying an additive acting on the laundry to the inner tub 5 together with water may be provided in the top cover 2. The additive supplied by the dispenser 17 may include a detergent, a fabric softener, and the like.

The drain pump 45 may include a circulating water discharge port 451 and a drain port 452. In detail, when the drain pump 45 rotates in a forward direction, water may be discharged through the circulating water discharge port 451 and supplied to the inner tub 5 to return to the drain pump 45 through the drain bellows 18. On the other hand, when the drain pump 45 rotates in a backward direction, water may be drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus through the drain port 452. Thus, since the drain pump 45 performs both the water circulation function and the water drain function, the drain pump 45 may be better to be defined as a “pump”, rather than the “drain pump”.

The circulation hose 10 may guide the water that is forcibly transferred by the drain pump 45 to the circulation nozzle 12. The circulation hose 10 may have one end connected to the circulating water discharge port 451 and the other end connected to the circulation nozzle 12.

The dispenser 17 may include: a dispenser housing 171 disposed inside the top cover 2; and a drawer 172 containing the additive and withdrawably accommodated in the dispenser housing 171. A drawer entrance through which the drawer 172 passes may be provided in the top cover 2, and an opening may be defined in one surface of the dispenser housing 171, which faces the drawer entrance, to correspond to the drawer entrance.

Also, a plurality of water supply ports may be provided in a top surface of the dispenser housing 171. The water supply ports may include: first water supply port 171 a and second water supply port 171 b through which hot water and cold water are respectively introduced into a detergent accommodation part 172 a ; and a third water supply port 171 c allowing the cold water or the hot water to be introduced into the detergent accommodation part 172 a.

The laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment may include one or more water supply hoses (not shown) guiding water supplied from an external water source such as a water tap. The water supply hoses may include a first water supply hose (not shown) guiding water supplied from a cold water source to the first water supply port 171 a, a second water supply hose (not shown) guiding water supplied from a hot water source to the second water supply port 171 b, and a third water supply hose (not shown) guide the water supplied from the cold water source to the third water supply port 171 c.

Also, one or more water supply valves 34 for opening and closing the water supply hoses may be provided in the laundry treating apparatus. For example, the water supply valves 34 may include a first water supply valve (not shown) restricting the first water supply hose (not shown), a second water supply valve (not shown) restricting the second water supply hose, and a third water supply valve (not shown) restricting the third water supply hose. The water supply valves may be operated by control of the control part 26.

The laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment may include a water level sensor 54 detecting a water level of the water for washing provided into the outer tub 6. The control part 26 may control the water supply valves 34 and/or the drain valves 64 according to the water level detected by the water level sensor 54.

In detail, in order to detect a water level, the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment may include: an air hose which has one end connected to communicate with the drain bellows and has an air chamber therein; and a water level sensor 54 connected to the other end of the air hose to measure a water level within the outer tub 6 by means of a frequency variation due to a variation in pressure of air transferred through the air hose.

When the level of the water for washing supplied to the outer tub 6 is changed, the water for washing may be introduced into or discharged from the air chamber to vary in pressure of the air acting on the air hose. The water level sensor 54 detects the level of the water for washing accommodated in the outer tub 6 on the basis of the frequency variation that varies according to the variation in pressure of the air.

The laundry treating apparatus may include a circulation nozzle 12 and a direct water nozzle 13 as nozzles for spraying water into the inner tub 5. The circulation nozzle 12 and the direct water nozzle 13 may be installed on the top cover 2, preferably, may be disposed on both side areas of the drawer 172. A direct water supply hose (not shown) guiding the water supplied from the cold water source into the direct water nozzle and a fourth water supply valve (not shown) selectively opening or closing the direct water supply hose may be provided.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment may be a method for automatically confirming whether installation is normally performed before an actual operation after the laundry treating apparatus is installed. The method for controlling the laundry treating apparatus may be defined as an ‘installation inspection mode’.

In detail, an installer installs the laundry treating apparatus at an installation site specified by a purchaser (a user) and connects a power cord so that power is applied. Thus, the power is applied to the input part 24 of the laundry treating apparatus so that the operation command is capable of being inputted. In this state, the installer inputs an installation inspection command (S11).

In detail, the installation inspection command represents an instruction to start an installation inspection mode. A button for installation inspection mode may be separately provided on the input part 24, and two or more among a plurality of input parts for different operation commands may be operated simultaneously or sequentially with a time difference so that the installation inspection mode is performed. The installation inspection mode is generally very low in usage frequency after the laundry treating apparatus is initially installed. Thus, it may be preferable to use existing command input buttons rather than installing a separate or independent input button used only for the installation inspection mode.

When the installation inspection command is inputted, the control part 26 detects a water level within the outer drum through the water level sensor 54 (S12). As described above, the change of the water level may be recognized by the control part 26 as a frequency value. Also, whether the detected water level is less than a set water level is determined. The set water level represents a water level in which the water for washing does not exist in the outer tub, i.e., a water level corresponding to complete drain. If it is determined that the detected water level is equal to or greater than the set water level, the detected water level is stored in the memory.

Also, the cold water valve may be opened in a state where an initial water level is detected (S13), to supply the water for washing to the outer tub (6). Also, it is determined whether the level of the water for washing reaches a target supply water level within a first set time t₁. The target supply water level may be preset in the control part 26 or may be directly inputted by the installer. When it is determined that the initially detected water level is equal to or greater than the set water level, the target supply water level is directly inputted by the installer. That is, the water supplied to the outer tub 6 may not be completely drained during the manufacturing inspection process of the product, but may remain in the outer tub 6 at the product launch. In this case, the installer may need to manually set the target supply water level.

In detail, when it is determined that the water level reaches the target supply water level within the set time, it is regarded that the water supply hose is normally connected, and a hot water detection process for detecting a temperature of the water for washing is performed while closing the cold water valve (S15).

However, when the water level does not reach the target supply water level within the first set time t₁, a first error message is displayed on the display part (S28). The cold water valve may be automatically closed together with the display of the first error message.

The first error message may be displayed when the water is not properly supplied due to the bending or pressing of the water supply hose or when the water pressure at the installation site is too low to sufficiently supply the water for washing. When the first error message is displayed, the installer may check and confirm the connected state of the water supply hose or the water pressure.

Here, when a set time elapses from a time point at which the first error message is displayed, the process may automatically moves on the next step. Alternatively, when the first error message is displayed, it may be controlled so that the process moves on the next step only when the problem solving signal is inputted through the button after the installer solves the water supply problem. For example, when the installer pushes a start button after solving the problem corresponding to the first error, the control pat may recognize the inputted signal as a signal for proceeding to the next process.

It is determined whether the detected water temperature is less than a set temperature T (S16). When it is determined that the detected water temperature is less than the set temperature T, it may be determined that the cold water is normally supplied, and thus, the process may move on a hot water opening process (S17).

However, when it is determined that the detected water temperature is higher than the set temperature T, it may be determined that the hot water hose is erroneously connected to the cold water supply port, and thus, a second error message may be displayed on the display part (S29).

When the second error message is displayed, the installer may check and confirm whether the cold water hose is properly connected to the cold water supply port again. Here, if the hot water hose is connected to the cold water supply port, the hot water hose may be separated from the cold water supply port, and then, the cold water hose may be connected to the cold water supply port. Also, the hot water hose may be connected to the hot water supply port.

Here, like the case in which the first error message is displayed, the process may moves on to the next process (or step) only when the problem corresponding to the first error is solved and a problem solving signal is inputted by the installer, or the process may automatically proceed to the next process when a set time elapses.

When the cold water hose is properly connected, the hot water valve may be opened to determine whether the hot water is normally and smoothly supplied. If a boiler is not operated in the summer, or the hot water hose is not connected to the hot water supply port by a determination of the user, the hot water may not be supplied into the outer tub 6 despite that it is not an erroneous situation. Thus, in the hot water valve opening process, the water level detection process is not performed, and the hot water valve is controlled to be automatically closed when a hot water valve opening time elapses a second predetermined time t₂ (S19). However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and it is possible to display a third error message for informing that there is a problem in hot water supply if the water level of the hot water is detected, and the water level does not reach the target water level within the set time.

Also, in the state where the hot water connection inspection is completed, and the hot water valve is closed, a jet spray (not shown) may be operated (S20). The jet spray may be disposed on an upper end of the outer tub 6 to spray high-pressure water for washing to a surface of the laundry. It is determined that a jet spray operation time elapses a third set time t₃ (S21), the operation of the jet spray is stopped (S22).

The jet spray may be operated by using the water supplied into the outer tub 6 for the third set time t₃ to allow the installer to confirm whether the jet spray is normally operated through naked eyes.

In the jet spray inspection process, when it is determined that a water pressure of the sprayed water is less than a normal pressure, the installer may grasp a problem after stopping the operation of the jet spray to perform a work for solving the problem.

Also, when the third set time elapses, and the jet spray inspection process is completed, a drain inspection process is performed to check whether the drain is normally performed.

In detail, when the drain inspection process starts, the present water level within the outer tub 6 is detected through the water level sensor 54 (S23). Also, the drain pump may be operated (S24) to drain the water for washing stored in the outer tub 6. Also, it is determined whether the water level is lowered to a target drain water level within a fourth first set time t4 (S25). Also, when it is determined that the target drain water level is not lowered to the target drain water level within the fourth set time t4, a third error message is displayed on the display part (S30). The third error message may be displayed i) when the drain is not normally performed due to the bending or pressing of the drain hose, ii) when there is a problem in the drain pump, or iii) when the drain is not normally performed, because an outlet end or the upwardly bent portion of the drain hose is disposed at a position higher than a position of the drain pump or the current water level. Thus, when the third error message is displayed, the installer may confirm the state of the drain hose or the state of the drain pump.

When it is determined that the water level reaches the target drain water level within a fourth set time t4, it may be determined that the drain is normally and smoothly performed to perform a dehydration mode (S26).

In the dehydration mode, the washing motor may rotate at the maximum speed, and when it is determined that the operation time of the washing motor reaches a fifth set time t5, the installation inspection mode is finished. Here, the reason in which the dehydration mode is operated is for determining whether the washing motor is properly operated. When a problem occurs in the washing motor, the washing motor may not rotate at the maximum speed, or excessive vibration or noise may occur. In this case, the installer may forcibly turn the power of the laundry treating apparatus off to stop the operation of the washing motor.

As described above, there is an advantage that it is possible to confirm whether or not the laundry treating apparatus is automatically installed by performing the installation inspection mode in the state at which the laundry treating apparatus is initially installed in the installation site.

The method for controlling the laundry treating apparatus including the above-described constituents according to the embodiment has following effects.

That is, since the installation inspection process of the laundry treating apparatus is automatically performed, the installation defects may be displayed to the installer, and thus, the installer may confirm the installation defects to repair the laundry treating apparatus.

In addition, since the installation inspection process is automatically performed, the installer may not need to manually perform the installation inspection, and the time required for the installation inspection may be saved.

In addition, the possibility that the installer does not perform the necessary installation inspection items may be prevented in advance.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus, the method comprising: applying power to the laundry treating apparatus to input an installation inspection command through an input part; detecting an initial water level within an outer tub to store the detected initial water level value; opening a cold water valve to supply water; determining whether a water level within an outer tub reaches a target supply water level within a first set time (t₁) from a time point at which the cold water valve is opened; and closing the cold water valve when the first set time (t₁) elapses, wherein, when the water level within the outer tub does not reach the target supply water level within the first set time (t₁), a first error message for informing a water supply error is displayed on a display part.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising detecting a temperature of water for washing supplied into the outer tub to determine whether a cold water hose is normally connected to a cold water supply port.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the detecting of the temperature of the water for washing is performed when at least one of three cases is satisfied, wherein the three cases include: a first case in which the water level within the outer tub reaches the target supply water level within the first set time (t₁); a second case in which a set time elapses after displaying the first error message; and a third case in which a signal indicating solving of the first error is inputted through an input part.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, when the detected temperature of the water for washing is higher than a set temperature, a second error message is displayed on the display part, and the second error message is a message for informing that a hot water hose is wrongly connected to the cold water supply port of the laundry treating apparatus.
 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising opening a hot water valve for a second set time to determine whether hot water is normally supplied.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the opening of the hot water valve is performed when at least one of three cases is satisfied, wherein the three cases include: a forth case in which the cold water hose is normally connected to the cold water supply port; a fifth case in which a set time elapses after the second error message is displayed; and a sixth case in which a signal indicating solving of the second error is inputted through the input part.
 7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising operating a jet spray for a third set time when the second set time elapses.
 8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising detecting the present water level within the outer tub and operating a drain pump when the third set time elapses, wherein, when the water level within the outer tub does not reach a target drain water level within a fourth set time from a time point at which the drain pump is operated, a third error message for informing a drain error is displayed on the display part.
 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising operating a dehydration mode in which the washing motor rotates at a maximum speed for a fifth set time.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the operating of the dehydration mode is performed when at least one of three cases is satisfied, wherein the three cases include: a seventh case in which it is determined that the drain is properly performed; an eighth case in which a set time elapses after the third error message is displayed; and a ninth case in which a signal indicating solving of the third error is inputted through the input part is satisfied. 